This law firm believes that all people deserve equal access to legal services, and actively supports representation of BIPoC and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Personal Injury
Personal Injury
If you were recently injured, let me start by sympathizing! It is not a fun experience. In addition to suffering pain and discomfort, you may have incurred lost wages, out-of-pocket costs, less time and/or enjoyment of family activites or hobbies... the list goes on.
The party responsible for your loss cannot heal you, nor do your job, yard work, etc. In the civil judicial system, there is only one way that the responsible party is able to make you whole: money. Unfortunately, the process involved in a personal injury settlement or verdict is long, complicated, and adversarial: the responsible party (or more likely, the insurance company) is tasked with paying you as little as possible. If you are interested in an evaluation or representation for your personal injury claim, please contact me.
Here are my...
7 Important Tips for the Recently Injured:
- Be informed about the services that an attorney can provide you. If you choose to hire an attorney, doing so immediately after the accident can aid your case: an attorney advocates on your behalf with insurance companies regarding damages and possible settlement. He or she will also help manage records and assist you in building a solid treatment plan. Initial consultations with most attorneys are free.
- Your insurance adjuster is not your best friend. Most adjusters are fine individuals. Nevertheless, their job is to attempt to award you as little as possible for your pain and injuries. When an adjuster asks how you are doing, do not say, “Great!” if that is not true. These conversations are typically recorded: you need to be conscious that you are making a record, and be complete and accurate in describing your injuries and symptoms. Do not let an adjuster cut you off or change the subject.
- Keep a journal. Record mental, emotional and physical changes in your life since the accident. Note specific activities that you have difficulty doing, sources of pain, etc. Panic attacks? Can’t lift a gallon of milk with one hand? Write it down with the date and symptoms.
- Take pictures. If you have visible injuries (bruising, cuts, scratches, etc.), take pictures. The pictures should clearly and accurately portray your injuries. This will be a strong visual aid after your bruising has disappeared. Also, take pictures of any property damage if possible.
- Tell it like it is. Your friends and family should know that you are hurting. Your case is substantially improved if third parties can accurately describe your injuries and difficulties in daily life. They may later be called to testify in a hearing, deposition or trial.
- Keep track of your treatment history. It is an immense help if you can present an attorney or insurance adjuster with a succinct timeline of your treatment history.
- Keep track of your out-of-pocket expenses. Many of your out-of-pocket expenses – including prescriptions and co-pays – may be reimbursed in a settlement or jury award. You need to be able to substantiate your claimed expenses with receipts, etc.
